Genesis: The Fedoryka brothers and Crosby are classically trained musicians, while Ounallah brings an extensive jazz background to the group. Scythian are renown in cities across the Eastern seaboard for their raucous stage presence and frenetic fiddling duels. The band's resume includes performances at some of the country's most elite venues, including The Kennedy Center and Virginia's famed Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts. They have released three albums, and their latest, "Immigrant Road Show" was hailed by CelticRadio.net as an "adventure of some hard kicking, infectiously hypnotic fiddling music." The hard partying foursome continue to be a favorite at whatever pub or festival they happen to charge into.

Hits: "Hills of Donegal," "Gypsy Fiddle," and "Immigrant Stomp."

How You Know Them: They have previously performed at the Michigan Irish Music Festival.

Watch a video of Scythian perform

Seamus Kennedy

Chronicle file photo/Cory MorseSeamus Kennedy holds up a Guinness beer that was given to him from somebody in the audience on the Pub Stage as part of the 2006 Michigan Irish Music Festival at Heritage Landing. Kennedy will make a return engagement Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Members: Solo.

Music Style: Celtic/Folk/Comedy.

Home: Arnold, Md.

Years Performing: 32.

Genesis: A native of Belfast, the Irishman has brought his jokes and jigs to pubs, festivals, colleges, and high schools across the country. Known for his amiable nature, dexterous string work, and quick wit, Kennedy has accrued somewhat of a cult following in the States. He has released several albums and claims to have a repertoire versatile enough for anyone from presidents to kindergartners. He cites Roy Rogers and Johnny Fox as influences, but has a style that parallels neither. Kennedy is an eccentric veteran of music and the spoken word who can only be fully appreciated live.

Hits: "The Irish Rover," "Only Our Rivers Run Free," and "Scotland the Brave."

How You Know Him: He plays nearly every Irish Music Festival in North America, if you've been to one there is a good chance he was playing.

Watch a video of a Seamus Kennedy performance

Switchback

Chronicle file photo/Cory MorseMartin McCormack, left, and Brian FitzGerald perform as Switchback as part of the 2008 Michigan Irish Music Festival at Heritage Landing.

Members: Martin McCormack and Brian FitzGerald.

Music Style: Americana/Celtic Folk.

Home: Chicago, Ill.

Years Together: 15.

Genesis: The duo met in 1984 and played in three separate bands together before deciding to break off on their own. Since that time they have released nine albums and have performed with the likes of The Moody Blues and Kansas. Their style is incredibly tight and features some impressive vocal harmonies. Switchback's exploration and articulation of the American and Irish cultures is reminiscent of the late Woody Guthrie. A little bluegrass, a little art folk, a little Celtic; Switchback's style defies categorization, but excites ears.

Hits: "Bamboozled," "The Moon," and "Wobbly Jigs."

How You Know Them: They have played with the classic country musicians Leon Russell and Lloyd Maines. And they're considered the "house" band for the Michigan Irish Music Festival. They also wrote a song about Muskegon.